Dave Lawrence, afternoon drive DJ on KPOI-FM 105.9, has been dismissed and a replacement may be named by the end of the month, said John Aeto, general manager of Visionary Related Entertainment, which operates the classic rock station.

Lawrence said he was summoned to a meeting last week with Aeto and Brock Whaley, director of programming, and was advised to collect his belongings and return the keys to the studio. Asked why he was being terminated, Lawrence said Aeto said, "It's just time" because the station is "moving in a different direction."

Aeto declined to reveal specifics on the personnel matter, saying: "It's best that we don't comment. We wish Dave the best and we'll move forward."

An afternoon DJ may be chosen from current staff or from outside the station.

Lawrence said he believes his dismissal after five years at KPOI wasn't over ratings, since his were "consistently KPOI's highest, dramatically outperforming the station."

Supporters — dubbed the Dave Lawrence Army — can remain in contact with Lawrence via his fan site, www.dlarmy.com.

A recent posting on the Web site says Lawrence will post the final segment of an interview with Paul Rodgers, a member of Free, Bad Company and Queen, which was nixed on the radio station because of Lawrence's departure.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.